I’m excited about Super Bowl Sunday, despite the fact that I don’t even understand the game! Even though my father taught me the Yale Bulldogs’ fight song as a baby (which I still remember), I’m a soccer girl at heart.

I grew up screaming at the television and fighting with the umpires when I didn’t agree with calls for foul and free kicks during the Soccer World Cup. Whenever my brothers needed an extra person on their team, I made a pretty good goalkeeper and could kick the ball with gusto on the field (even at a time when girls were not playing the sport…).

However, despite the fact that I grew up calling soccer, “fútbol,” it couldn’t be more different than the all-American game. For starters, football is a contact game—men tackling each other—while fútbol, is all about the footwork and having no contact with other players. One is all about holding the ball, while the other only allows holding balls from the corners or sidelines (unless you’re the goalie). I mean, even the balls look completely different! Really—aren’t balls supposed to be round?

It’s the same thing every year. While people gather around the television to see men juggle, throw, and kick footballs, I’m happy to hide in the kitchen and play with my food. I confess that this is because as much as I understand goals, penalties, and offside plays, I can’t say the same for bombs, chop blocks, or draws. I might not know a tackle from a touchdown (okay, maybe that’s exaggerating a little bit) but I know my food.

Nevertheless, this year will be different. My family has reminded me all week that this will be a particularly good game. They will not be watching only to see the halftime show and commercials—and neither will I. This time, it’s a matter of state pride as we celebrate the great journey that is taking The Panthers team from Charlotte, North Carolina, along their journey for the win. I will make a great effort to understand what really goes on when the players run through white lines and everyone screams for a “Hail, Mary!”

What I love most about Super Bowl Sunday is that it gives me an opportunity to cook absolutely casual, no-frills, comforting food; the kind that is messy and fun. This year, my menu will be entirely made ahead, so I can attempt to learn the rules of the game without having to run into the kitchen.

Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or whether you’ve been asked to take a dish to a gathering, serve the ultimate southern spread: Pimiento Cheese. Even if I don’t get all the rules, and even if I find myself asking everyone: “What? What just happened?” I’ll be cheering for my first (and only) favorite football team.

In a bowl, stir together the cheese, pimientos, mayonnaise, and hot sauce. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 8 hours (it gets better if left to mature in the refrigerator for a couple of days). Serve with bread, chips, crudités, or sliced apples.

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Welcome

Sandra A. Gutierrez is a nationally recognized food personality, cookbook author, freelance food writer, and cooking instructor. Her articles and recipes have been published in newspapers and magazines around the world. To find out more click here.

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